Save A classic, comforting dish featuring tender beef pot roast slow-cooked with vegetables and rich gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings and cozy evenings, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
I first made this slow cooker pot roast for a chilly weekend dinner and it instantly became a staple in our home. The aroma of beef and herbs filling the kitchen while it simmers is absolutely irresistible, and the creamy mashed potatoes make it extra special.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), well-marbled for best flavor
- Kosher salt: 1 tbsp, for seasoning
- Black pepper: 1 tsp, fresh ground preferred
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
- Onion: 1 large, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Celery: 3 stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml), gluten-free if needed
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp, gluten-free if needed
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
- Bay leaves: 2
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into chunks
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml), plus more as needed
- Salt: 1 tsp, for mashed potatoes
- Black pepper: ½ tsp, for mashed potatoes
- Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Beef:
- Pat the chuck roast dry and season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sear Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables:
- Arrange onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.
- Mix Liquids and Herbs:
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour this mixture over the roast and vegetables.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
- About 40 minutes before serving, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until very tender (15 to 20 minutes). Drain, return potatoes to the pot, add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper; add additional milk if needed.
- Rest and Slice Beef:
- Remove roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice the beef as desired.
- Serve:
- Spoon pot roast and vegetables over creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Save After many Sunday dinners, this pot roast always brings the family together for seconds. Even picky eaters love the mashed potatoes, and everyone helps themselves to extra pan juices!
Required Tools
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger), large skillet, chefs knife and cutting board, large pot, potato masher or ricer, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, milk). Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish). Gluten-free if using gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 520, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 44 g
Save This comfort food classic makes any meal feel special and guarantees delicious leftovers. Enjoy every bite with your favorite family sides!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Slow cooking the chuck roast on low for 8 hours breaks down connective tissue, resulting in tender, fork-ready meat.
- → What vegetables are best for this dish?
Carrots, celery, and sliced onions add natural sweetness and depth, balancing the savory flavors of the beef.
- → Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling; other cuts like brisket can work but may require adjustments in cooking time.
- → How to make the gravy thicker?
Remove half a cup of cooking liquid, whisk with cornstarch, return to the pot, and cook on high for 10 minutes until thickened.
- → What type of potatoes are recommended?
Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture, though Russet potatoes are also suitable for smooth mashed potatoes.